FOXBORO, Mass. -- When you're driving up I-95 from New York City to Boston on a scorching summer afternoon, traffic and construction can provide you with a whole lot of time to think.

In my case on Wednesday, time to think about unused news nuggets, quotes and sticking observations from the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants training camp openers, which I attended earlier in the week.

Here are some, along with other news, as I await the New England Patriots' first training-camp practice on Thursday morning:

EJ THROWING A SNAPPIER BALL

It's no secret that second-year Bills quarterback EJ Manuel added more muscle in the off-season.

But that includes in his right throwing arm, and he also refined his throwing mechanics. So he told me on Sunday night.

Second-year wide receiver Robert Woods told me it's noticeable.

"For sure, his footwork and arm strength is better," Woods said. "He's pressing the ball in there. He's getting some nice touches on the ball. They're coming in a little bit harder because he's more comfortable in the pocket."

Meaning?

"You can tell. His feet are not as antsy in the pocket. He's comfortable and poised back there."

A few minutes later, Manuel said it's true.

"Yeah, definitely. I did a lot of weight training. And I worked with (quarterback coach) Steve Calhoun. He's out in LA. He was helping me with my footwork and my delivery.

"I'm glad to hear Woody is saying he's feeling the pop on the ball a lot better … But it's not really the delivery. It's more just improved footwork -- having your hips aligned (that is, aimed at the target). You don't want to over-stride with your front foot either, and your back foot is what you want to push off.

"All those things help you to stay accurate, and give you more power."

But just as big a factor in his perceived velocity increase, Manuel said, is that his timing is more refined. That is, he's pulling the trigger earlier.

"I know where to go with the ball now, and I'm more consistent with it."

SAMMY'S THE REAL DEAL

That would be Sammy Watkins, the wide receiver for whom Bills general manager Doug Whaley traded up to pick fourth overall in the draft.

Watkins is stunningly good -- as advertised. In three years of attending Bills camps, he's the only player I've tried not to miss whenever he's on the field.

Because with Sammy, miss a few minutes and you can miss another scintillating feat of athleticism.

On Monday, for instance, Manuel's pass to him over the middle was deflected high into the air. It seemed half the Bills defence swarmed Watkins as they all waited for the ball to drop from the sky.

Watkins out-leaped them all and nabbed it, amid all those swatting arms. And he was still clutching it after those DBs punish-crunched him and laid him out.

Then on Wednesday morning, WGR's Sal Capaccio posted a video clip of Watkins running a fake-out-and-in route in the end zone. The rookie slipped on the cut but instantly sprung to his feet, stuck out his right arm and -- just as the ball was whistling by -- snared it with one hand.

Yeah.

DAREUS ARRIVES

Troubled Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus walked onto the St. John Fisher College practice field on Wednesday morning with his teammates, but not in football gear. He's trying to get into shape in gym gear. There's still no timetable on his return to the field, head coach Doug Marrone said. Through the team, Dareus released a statement that read in part: "After dealing with a personal matter in Alabama, I am excited to return to training camp to rejoin my teammates … Right now, my focus is on earning the trust of my teammates, coaches and the fans while continuing to improve as a football player … There are things I need to work on professionally and personally to make sure I can be accountable to myself, my family, this team and this community. My focus will remain on achieving that goal one day at a time."

O-LINE EXPERIMENTING

As Marrone and his offensive coaches try to determine the best starting O-line, they're already juggling bodies. A big reason is left tackle Cordy Glenn hasn't been available to practise since before June mini-camp ended. He's out with an undisclosed illness, but now is working out on the sidelines with out-of-shape DTs Dareus and Alan Branch. Chris Hairston, who missed all of last season due to injury, worked at LT with the first team on Sunday night but was terrible; fleet pass rusher Jerry Hughes blew around him far too many times. Hairston, who is huge-bodied and a bit bow-legged (think of a stove on a tripod with one leg knocked out), was tried at right guard on Monday. On Wednesday Marrone said Erik Pears is playing well, as he's healthier than last year, and hinted Pears might lock down the right tackle spot over second-round draft pick Cyrus Kouandjio.

EXTRA BILLS POINTS

In an interview, Marrone said he has had no subsequent health alarms since having a cancerous mole removed in the spring: "They took it out, it's not a problem, I'm using sun screen, and everything's fine" ... Fleet but fragile slot WR Marquise Goodwin turned cornerback Leodis McKelvin into a revolving door on Sunday night, selling the out route right off the line before breaking on a dew drop and running a slant, leaving McKelvin far behind and facing the wrong way … Third-year LB Nigel Bradham seems to have convinced the coaches he means to earn more playing time. Marrone is talking him up … Marrone said star defensive end Mario Williams is "the happiest I've seen him." Of course Marrone wasn't there the day Williams signed his $100-million contract … The Bills like to run the hurry-up. The Bills also like a heavy O-line. Are the two things mutually compatible? "We're about to find out," Whaley quipped.

RB Rashad Jennings played for the Oakland Raiders last year. The Virginia native signed as a free agent with the Giants in the off-season. The best part about returning to the East Coast? "I'm closer to the family," he said Tuesday. "Now my Mom when she calls me every morning, she's not waking me up at 4. So it works."

REAL RUNNERS

The Giants couldn't find a healthy, able RB to play for most of last season -- certainly not an effective one, especially at catching passes. This season they not only have Jennings but David Wilson, who last season suffered what was thought could be a career-killing neck injury. Wilson got cleared by doctors on Monday and he ran around Tuesday like a 10-year-old off the bus after the last day of school. Now Wilson just has to keep remembering: hang…on…to...the …ball.

EXTRA GIANTS POINTS

Safety Antrel Rolle said this might be the most talented of the five Giants teams he has been on. The second one won Super Bowl XLVI … There's a much more urgent pace to the proceedings at Giants camp this year, compared to my 2012 and 2013 visits. Much more hurry-up offence, too … Four receivers took a stab at returning punts: Trindon Holliday, Rueben Randle, Victor Cruz and rookie Odell Beckham Jr. … It was strange to see former Cleveland Browns star RB Peyton Hillis waiting, and waiting, to get token reps with the scrubs.

GRONK CLEARED TO RETURN

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared to practise, head coach Bill Belichick announced Wednesday.

Gronk has been almost continually injured for the past two years. He missed the start of last season, after multiple surgeries on his back and on a problematic broken arm. Soon after he returned he blew out an ACL against Cleveland.

DE Rob Ninkovich summed up the locker room's feelings:

"Gronk is Gronk. 'Yo soy fiesta,' right? Again, I think he's a tremendous player. Personality wise, he's one of the best guys you could ever meet. He's a great guy off the field. He'll say hi to anybody; he'll do anything for you.

"I'm happy to see his progress and see him coming into the season and staying healthy. Obviously, that's what everybody is talking about."